Christine R. Walters, 60, of Chesapeake, Va., passed away peacefully Thursday at her home with her family at her side after a 1½-year courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born Jan. 11, 1949, in York, she was the daughter of the late William W. Race and Frances Batchelor Race.

She was a 1967 graduate of Mars High School and a 1972 graduate of Indiana (Pa.) University. She taught elementary school for a few years and spent the next few decades working as a veterinary technician, where she indulged her love for animals. For the past several years, she worked for the City of Chesapeake in the police and sheriff's departments. She was a devoted wife and mother.

Christine was well-known for her artistic talent, creating animal artwork using a variety of media. She often donated her work to raise funds for animal shelters and rescue groups or as gifts for family and friends. She also volunteered her grooming services at animal shelters and rescued and/or placed dozens of cocker spaniels.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Richard "Rick" Walters; her sons, Carey (Bethany) Walters of Cambridge, Mass., and Clark (Tammy) Walters of Chesapeake; her sisters, Susan Race of Valencia, and Paula Race of Sunbury, Ohio; and four faithful cocker spaniels.

<B>WALTERS</B> — Visitors will be received by the family of Christine R. Walters, who died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Administration Building of the Chesapeake Sheriff's Department, 401 Albemarle Drive. A memorial service will follow.In lieu of flowers, Christine requested that donations be made to VA Beach SPCA, 3040 Holland Road, VB, VA 23453 or to the OBG Cocker Spaniel Rescue, The Christine Walters Fund for Cancer in Dogs at www.cockerspanielrescue.com.Any floral donations should be delivered to 401 Albemarle Drive one hour prior to the visitation.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Oman Funeral Home</B>, Chesapeake, Va.Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.